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Microsoft to Recall Xbox Cords

Updated Feb. 18, 2005 12:13 a.m. ET

Microsoft Corp.
said Thursday it will recall the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles world-wide after 30 consumers reported electrical failures that caused minor injury or property damage. The new cords are designed to prevent the "rare electrical component failures," which occurred in fewer than one in 10,000 consoles, the company said. In seven cases, customers reported a minor burns, Microsoft said. Xbox consoles made before Oct. 23, 2003 require a replacement cord, except in continental Europe where machines made before Jan. 13, 2004 require a new cord. "This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president of the Home & Entertainment Division at Microsoft. To order a replacement cord, consumers should go to the Xbox Web site (www.xbox.com). Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. In the interim, consumers should turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use.